Jos: At least 15 people died in Nigeria after contracting diphtheria, a bacterial infection primarily affecting the respiratory system, a health official said Tuesday. The deaths occurred within three days of the outbreak, confirmed by Baks Bulus, a district health official. According to Anadolu Agency, at least 117 other cases were confirmed in the Jos North Local Government Area in north-central Plateau State. Bulus described the situation as alarming and warned of the possibility of more cases as health authorities continue surveillance across affected communities. Diphtheria spreads through close contact with an infected person. An individual who comes into contact with someone infected, sharing utensils and household items like towels, is likely to contract the disease. The health official highlighted the importance of awareness about the disease's transmission methods. Despite being a vaccine-preventable disease, diphtheria has seen recurrent outbreaks in Nigeria in recent years. This has prompted he alth authorities to conduct vaccination campaigns in affected communities and states. Last week, over 30 children died in Kano State, northwestern Nigeria, amid a suspected diphtheria outbreak.